Sneijder 'must see Gala as first choice'

Galatasaray coach Fatih Terim has told Wesley Sneijder he must look at the club “not as an alternative, but as a first choice” as the Inter Milan midfielder decides on his future.

Sneijder is on his way from Inter

Inter have accepted an offer from the Turkish club for the 28-year-old Netherlands international, but the player has told reporters he is in no rush to make a decision.

Liverpool are among several other clubs rumoured to be interested, and Sneijder said: “There are still two weeks to go before the end of the transfer window, so there is time. I am relaxed, and I’m considering my options.”

But Terim was quick to emphasise the stature of the Istanbul club, saying: “If Sneijder wants to come to Galatasaray then he must see us as a first choice.

“This club is not anyone’s plaything. Those who play here do not see Galatasaray as an alternative, but as a first choice. Otherwise, one must step aside.”

It is believed that, as part of the deal struck between Galatasaray and Inter, a €5 million penalty clause would come into effect if Sneijder signed for a different club during the January window.